Shandong Taishan failed to reach an agreement with Xiao De as his contract came to an end. The exotic-clad player, who has been rooted in China's football scene for five years, will have a bloodless naturalization spot open next year. At the same time, Beijing Guoan has begun to introduce the naturalized player Serginho, and the former Cangzhou Lions foreign aid Oscar is also under consideration. Against this backdrop, Shandong Taishan are hesitant to renew Xiaode's contract, and are actively seeking other avenues for naturalization. Delgado will have to wait for his status to change before he has a chance to stay with the team, but as a naturalized player, his options are not limited to one team in the Chinese Super League.
Fernando's contract with Shandong Taishan is also due to expire, and the possibility of a contract extension is slim, making it more likely that he will return to Shenhua. Pato is in a similar situation as Fernando, and Shandong Taishan have no plans to extend his contract. The starting trio of Wako, Kressan, and Zeca are firmly in the starting lineup, and the team no longer plans to bring in a foreign center forward, including Leonardo's rental contract, which has no intention of being renewed. The AFC Cup final is approaching, Cressan has resumed training and is in good shape for the game, while Gao Junyi's return will take some time.
Shandong Taishan have made it to the FA Cup final for two consecutive years, with Wu Jingui leading the team to the title last year under the leadership of Cui Lao. This year, facing the tactically versatile Muscat, a clash of soccer philosophies is about to take place. Although Wu Lei may not be able to play, the trident of Oscar, Vargas and Gustavo still has a powerful offensive firepower. On paper, the Taishan team is slightly inferior, but Choi Kang-hee is good at winning with the weak, so we may be able to learn from the tactics of the AFC Champions League and try to break the curse of two consecutive years without a title.
